Chicago Downtown

[Greg S]

I've been going to Chicago and their downtown somewhat regularly since the mid 90's (mostly yearly, sometimes more, sometimes missing a year). I realized it has grown and have noticed the changes. I've gone twice this summer.

In June to see the Simple Minds concert (along with Modern English and Soft Cell) at Huntington Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island (close to Soldier Field on the banks of Lake Michigan). Then last week to see a Premier League double header at Soldier Field. We also went to Rate Field for the first time to see the White Sox play the Phillies.

We spent a ton of time downtown last week and a decent amount in June. I love walking around downtown Chicago. Then Saturday I was channel surfing and came across the movie, My Best Friends Wedding (Julia Roberts, Dermot Mulrooney, Cameron Diaz) from the mid 90's or so.

Early on when Julia Roberts if flying into Chicago they go over downtown. I was shocked to see how much it has changed and expanded. There are now dozens of high rise condos/apartments in the area directly west of Soldier Field that connect downtown to their convention center. Plus so much fill in with new high rises in the heart of downtown. I hadn't noticed it as it was occurring but seeing that shot after 2 very recent visits actually shocked me.

[Cermak]

I've been going to Chicago and their downtown somewhat regularly since the mid 90's (mostly yearly, sometimes more, sometimes missing a year). I realized it has grown and have noticed the changes. I've gone twice this summer.

In June to see the Simple Minds concert (along with Modern English and Soft Cell) at Huntington Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island (close to Soldier Field on the banks of Lake Michigan). Then last week to see a Premier League double header at Soldier Field. We also went to Rate Field for the first time to see the White Sox play the Phillies.

We spent a ton of time downtown last week and a decent amount in June. I love walking around downtown Chicago. Then Saturday I was channel surfing and came across the movie, My Best Friends Wedding (Julia Roberts, Dermot Mulrooney, Cameron Diaz) from the mid 90's or so.

Early on when Julia Roberts if flying into Chicago they go over downtown. I was shocked to see how much it has changed and expanded. There are now dozens of high rise condos/apartments in the area directly west of Soldier Field that connect downtown to their convention center. Plus so much fill in with new high rises in the heart of downtown. I hadn't noticed it as it was occurring but seeing that shot after 2 very recent visits actually shocked me.

Chicago is an exciting place. We went downtown a few years ago and took the train from the suburbs, Arlington Heights. Walking around downtown is like being in a skyscraper museum, so many amazing buildings.

[skinzfan23]

Went downtown about 2 weeks ago. First time since 2018. Overall I was impressed with it being mostly clean. I feel like there were a lot fewer homeless on the streets than in years past. The amount of graffiti was insane though. We also took the train in one day and drove to the museum of science and industry another day. There were a ton of police on the train as it got closer to night so that was a good thing. Still crazy that the space where Rainforest Cafe was downtown is still vacant.

[Greg S]

We went to the Macy's store downtown. When downtown previously we had always gone to the one off Michigan Ave near Water Tower Place. Even going back to when it was Marshall Fields. That one was awesome but closed recently.

Decided to check out the remaining Macy's and original Marshall Fields on State St. Wow. Best department store I have ever been in. Very well kept up. So many levels and so much stuff. For a kid that grew up going to the downtown Brandeis Store in Omaha, it was an awesome experience.

Greg

[nativeomahan]

We went to the Macy's store downtown. When downtown previously we had always gone to the one off Michigan Ave near Water Tower Place. Even going back to when it was Marshall Fields. That one was awesome but closed recently.

Decided to check out the remaining Macy's and original Marshall Fields on State St. Wow. Best department store I have ever been in. Very well kept up. So many levels and so much stuff. For a kid that grew up going to the downtown Brandeis Store in Omaha, it was an awesome experience.

Greg

Yes that is an amazing store. Still beautiful. Easy to get lost in it, or exit through the wrong door and really be lost outside!

[Flyer14]

I usually make an annual trip to Chicago, but it isn’t going to happen this year and I don’t know when we will next year. I am excited to see the continued progress and the new tower on Lake Shore Drive should be topped out by my next visit.